DRY LAY-UP METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING CONTINUOUS LENGTH COMPOSITE MEMBERS

A method and apparatus for application to the art of pultrusion and adapted to produce continuous length composite members of uniform cross sectional configuration; firstly characterized by dry formation of a multi-laminiform comprised of individual filaments laid in selectively disposed positions longitudinally, circumferentially, spirally and/or diagonally relative to the axis of the composite being formed; and secondly characterized by subsequent external and internal impregnation, or both, with solidifying material and preferably with a liquid thermosetting resin that is cured by the application of heat thereto; a feature being the means employed in the placement and retension of placement of the multiplicity of filaments involved in each lamina of the composite, said means being characteristically a carding means which combs the filaments into placement.